The Borealis Conference Regional Tournament was this past weekend, December 5^th and 6^th. Seven teams competed for the conference title and a chance to compete at the state championships. The teams in the Borealis Conference includes the Unalaska Raiders, Su Valley Rams, Birchwood Warriors, Ninilchik Wolverines, Holy Rosary Academy Knights, Lumen Christi Archangels, and Cook Inlet Academy Eagles.

For the first time ever, the Lady Raiders are the Borealis Conference Region Champions with a 9-0 overall record for the season. During the semifinals, the Raiders beat the Ninilchik Wolverines 3-0 and made it into the championship game. For the championships, the Raiders played the same team they did last year for the title, the Su Valley Rams. The battle for first was hard fought. The Raiders won the first two sets and lost the next two, bringing them to the fifth set at fifteen points. Both teams were rattled, but Unalaska pushed through and won the set 15-5. They made every point count, and didn’t crumble when they lost the third and fourth sets. KUCB 89.7 FM was able to broadcast the volleyball games on the radio for the fans back in Unalaska, but nothing compared to being there in person to see the girls finally reach fifteen points, jump in excitement, and run to hug each other while screaming at the top of their lungs.

“The Raiders showed an impressive level of composure and determination this weekend. We let nothing get in our way of success. I really could not be more proud of the team,” said Coach Julie Herman.

Along with winning the regional title, the Unalaska Raiders hope to continue their winning streak at the state tournament next weekend at Dimond High School in Anchorage. By beating last year’s state champions, the Su Valley Rams, at regions this year, the Lady Raiders are determined to improve from being runner up to state champions.

Some individual accomplishments for the weekend include Amanda Magnusen and Christian Escalante receiving the academic award, Kiecel Tungul and Kanesia Price being on the all-tournament team, with Louisa Seman as the tournament MVP, and lastly, Reanna Marquez and Louisa Seman placed on the all-conference team.

Congratulations to the Raider Volleyball team for all their accomplishments and for getting first place! And thank you to all the families and the community support that welcomed us at the airport Sunday night!

The first round for the state tournament is Unalaska vs. Koliganek at 2:00pm Thursday December 11^th. Coach Herman said, “It’s time to refocus and set our sights for the State Tournament, we want big things to come out of our play this upcoming weekend!”